Dear Annunciation Parish Family,
Let us pray for The Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) for those becoming Catholic, for the Elect (Catechumens) and Candidates as they approach full communion into The Holy Catholic Church this Easter.
The OCIA class and sponsors will attend The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as a group at 9:00am on the following Sundays of March 8, March 15, and March 22. During this Mass, the Elect attended by their sponsor will receive the First Rite of the Scrutinies while all others are participating with their presence.
We ask you join them with your prayers during this time of Enlightenment and Purification.
Several pews will be reserved on the right side (Epistle side) of the church for OCIA and their sponsors.
Let us all thank God for His care over them as we anticipate their joy and welcome them into our parish family.
God bless you!
The Order of Christian Initiation for those who desire to complete the Sacraments of Initiation or be baptized fully into the Catholic Church, email ocia@acchtx.org with your name and mobile number. We will contact you, answer your questions, and begin your preparation. We meet in the Foley House at 6:20pm Wednesday evenings.
During the Rite of Election, the Church formally acknowledges the readiness of the catechumens to proceed to the next stages of initiation, namely the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Those who participate in this rite are called the “Elect” from that point on.
This signifies that the Church has discerned the catechumens’ readiness and that they have indeed been chosen for initiation into the Catholic faith.
The Scrutinies are rites for self-searching and repentance, including prayers of exorcism, blessing, and intercessions. Each scrutiny uncovers, then heals all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the Elect. At the same time, they affirm and strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. The Scrutines immerse the Elect in the mystery of Christ.